"I'm getting up the spiritual momentum necessary to tell you that I'm a thief! Truly. Anyhow, three choice gentlemen are so sure of it that they went to the trouble of perjuring themselves and having me arrested—"
"Arrested? YOU?"
"Exactly. And the evidence is very strong. I almost think I must be guilty."
"Are you?"
Pierce shook his head.
"Of course you're not. I remember, now—something father said at breakfast, but I paid no attention. You fought with that good-looking French count, didn't you?"
"Thank you for reminding me of the one cheerful feature connected with the entire affair. Yes, I raised my hand to him in anger—and let it fall, but Lieutenant Rock spoiled the whole party."
"Tell me everything, please."
Pierce was more than willing to oblige, and he began his recital at the time of his first meeting with Joe McCaskey on the beach at Dyea. While he talked the girl listened with that peculiar open-eyed meditative gravity he had noted upon their former meeting. When he had finished she cried, breathlessly:
"Why, it's as exciting as a book!"